The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act Of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) was passed in order to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of information about the identities and hazards of chemicals in the workplace. This is to be accomplished through comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee training.

The Research and Special Administration of the Department of Transportation in August of 2002 revised transportation requirements for infectious substances, including regulated medical waste, to: adopt defining criteria and packaging requirements consistent with international standards; revise the current broad exceptions for diagnostic specimens and biological products; and authorize bulk packaging options for regulated medical waste consistent with requirements in international standards and DOT exemptions. These revisions will assure an acceptable level of safety for the transportation of infectious substances, and facilitate domestic and international transportation.